Hydraulic leverage shear



June 1964 J. l. GANTZ 3,136,193

HYDRAULIC LEVERAGE SHEAR A FIG. 2

INVENTOR. JACK l. GANT 2 ATTORNEY June 1964 J. 1. GANTZ 3,136,193

HYDRAULIC LEVERAGE SHEAR Filed May 29, 1962 4 SheetsSheet 2 K H65 44' 1 J 1': N 20 44 I INVENTOR. JACK I. GANTZ BY ,(SMCZ. W

ATTOR N EY June 9, I GANTZ HYDRAULIC LEVERAGE SHEAR 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 29, 1962 FIG. 6

INVENTOR. JACK I. GANTZ ATTORNEY June 9, 1964 J. GANTZ HYDRAULIC LEVERAGE SHEAR Filed May 29, 1962 4 Sheets$heet 4 264 ma l x9032 vab S A40 l2: F-

1 PM /78 GE IGH INVENTOR. JACK L GANTZ MM Q Y? M ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,136,193 HYDRAULIC LEVERAGE SHEAR Hack I. Gantz, 1248 Stanly Ave., Glendale, Calif. Filed May 29, *1962,-Ser. No. 198,506 2 Claims. (Cl. S3380) The present invention relates generally to equipment used in salvage operations, and more particularly to a hydraulic leverage shear adapted for use in severing scrap structural members such as heavy beams, sections of a ships hull, and the like, into pieces of desired length or weight.

In the scrap and salvage business it is essential that the material being worked be reduced to a manageable size or weight at the lowest possible expense. When relatively lightweight structures are being salvaged to provide scrap, such reduction in size can be carried out economically by use of a cutting torch or a conventional hydraulic shear. However, when heavy structural beams, sections of a ships hull, and like structures are being salvaged, the reduction thereof to a desired size or weight is prohibitively expensive if a cutting torch is used. Use of a cutting torch on such heavy material is not only extremely slow, particularly if rusty or covered with scale, but the labor costs as well as the cost of the gas employed in the operation, render it economically impractical. To cut heavy structural members by means of hydraulic shears of previously available design is likewise impractical, for if the shear is to have enough force to cut the material, an excessively high hydraulic pressure must be used for the actuation thereof, or the size of the shear must be so large and expensive as to render the utility thereof most speculative.

The primary object in devising the present invention is to provide a hydraulic leverage shear in which the blade is pivotally supported from two laterally spaced rams, and when this blade is angularly positioned at the initiation of the shearing operation, it is possible to exert a force of maximum magnitude on a restricted portion of the scrap structure being Worked, which blade by manipulation of the rams can be angularly worked down through the scrap material to sequentially place restricted portions thereof under a force suflicient to shear the same from the balance of the scrap.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic leverage shear that is completely safe in operation, for the apparatus includes a feed chute on which the material to be sheared is placed and thereafter moved thereon into a shearing position by hydraulic means and held in place by a hydraulic hold-down device during the time the pivotally supported blade is being Worked therethrough by manipulation of the first and second stage hydraulic rams.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic shear which not only includes a pivotally supported, vertically movable blade, but means are also operatively associated therewith which prevent transverse movement of the blade during the shearing operation that would tend to throw the actuating rams out of alignment with the cylinders in which they are mounted.

Yet another object of the invention is to supply a shear blade of novel design that has a protective shield projecting forwardly therefrom which not only protects the operator, but forces the sheared material downwardly onto an inclined slide upon severance thereof from the balance of the scrap.

, These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description thereof, and from the accompanying drawings illustrating the same,in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of the leverage shear showing the shear blade, the tiltable table, feed chute, upper hold-down jaw, and the first and second stage hydraulic rams that pivotally support the blade;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of the shear shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the invention showing the shear blade in its lowermost position, parallel to the lower jaw; 7

FIGURE 4 is a vertical cross-sectional View of the apparatus of the present invention'taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of the left-hand portion of the shear apparatus taken on line 55 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the invention showing the shear blade in solid line in its' uppermost horizontal position, the shear blade in phantom line in a position of maximum angulation, and also in phantom line, the shear blade inits lowermost horizontal position;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary view of a first end portion of the shear blade and the pivotal support therefor; FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the vertical guide assembly associated with the shear blade to prevent lateral movement thereof;

FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of the feed chute;

FIGURE 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the tiltable table on which the scrap material is initially deposited prior to delivery to the feed chute;

FIGURE 11 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system used in operating the apparatus shown in FIG- URE 1; and

FIGURE 12 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit used in the device.

With further reference to the drawings for the general arrangement of the invention, it will be seen in FIG- URES l4' to include an elongate base A that has two first spaced uprights B mounted on the right-hand end portion thereof. Two second spaced uprights C are mounted on the left-hand end portion of base A.

The uprights B support a vertically disposed first hydraulic cylinder D therebetween. A vertically positioned second hydraulic cylinder E is supported between. the second uprights C. An inverted U-shaped frame F extends upwardly from base A and supports a third hydraulic cylinder G therefrom. The first and second cylinders D and E, as may best be seen in FIGURE 11, have first and second rams H and I respectively slidably mounted therein. The lower ends of rams H and I, by means to be later disclosed in detail, are pivotally connected to opposite end portions of a vertically movable shear blade I, as shown in FIGURES 3 and 6.

The base A (FIGURE 4) includes a heavy lower jaw K. In transverse cross section the jaw K is of inverted L-shaped configuration and includes a leg L that extends rearwardly and has a horizontal upper surface. The third ,hydraulic cylinder G (FIGURE 11) has a ram M slidably mounted therein, and the lower end of this ram has a heavy transversely extending upper jaw M aifixed thereto. By actuation of the ram M, the jaw N may be moved downwardly relative to the lower jaw K to either hold scrap material to be sheared in a fixed position, or prior to the shearing operation, the jaw N may be used to crush or deform the material being worked into a more compact configuration before it is advanced to be sheared by downward movement of the half I, as will hereinafter be explained.

An elongate chute O that is preferably horizontal is shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, which extends rearwardly fromthe lower jaw K and onwhich-the'material to besheared is placed. The upper surfaces of chute O' and leg'L arepreferably flush. A fourth hydraulic cylinder P is held at a fixed horizontal position relative to the rear end of chute'O; Cylinder P has a ram 10 slidably mounted therein, as may best be seen in FIGURE 9, which is connected on theforward end thereof to-aheavy transverse pushing bar 12 that moves longitudinally rela-' tive to the chute 0. When 12 is moved to the left as shown in FIGURE 6, it advances scrap material to be sheared into a desiredposition-relative to the jaw K. A tiltable table Q that initially receivesthe scrap material to be sheared is shown in FIGURE 10. One end of table Q is pivotally connected by hinges 14 to one longitudinally extending side of chute O. The material to be cut-is initiallyplaced on the upper surface of the table Q and by-means of a fifth'hydraulic cylinder R and a ram S associated therewith the table Q can be pivoted up-' wardly and to the left as shown to cause the scrap material to be sheared to slide downwardly thereon and deposited on the upper surface of chute O. V

The rams H and I- have identical first and second horizontal heavy plates ldwelded or otherwise aflixed to the lower ends thereof, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7. Each plate 16 has two transversely extending first strips 1'3 rigidly aflixed to the lower surface thereof. Strips 18 in turn have two second strips 20 afiixed to the lower surface-thereof; and each-set of strips 20 is offset inwardly towards one another to provide two transversely extending horizontal surfaces. A heavy rectangular block 22 is provided for each of theplates 16, and each of'these blocks is slidably supported on thetransverselypositioned upper surfaces of the two strips 20. Each block 22 is in slidable contact with the vertical surfaces of the strips 13 adjacent thereto. Each block 22 is maintained in a horizontal plane for the upper surface thereof is disposed adjacent the under surface of the plate with which it is associated;

Each block 22 has two parallel spacedilegs 24 projecting downwardly therefrom. Each pair of legs 24 has a space 26 therebetween that is slightly wider than the width of one-of the outer end portions 28 ofshear blade I. Each pair of legs 24-have horizontally aligned bores 34 formed therein. portion 23 of blade J, each of which boresis capable of being aligned with a pair of the bores 30 when an end portion 28of' the blade is disposed between a pair of the legs 24. One heavy pin 34 extends through each set of bores 3t and 32-andpivotally connects one of the ends 22 of the shear blade I to the legs 24' that extend downwardly from one of the transversely movable blocks 22. Due to the supporting structure shown in FIGURE 7, which'is provided on the lower end of each of the first and second'rams H and I, the shear blade I may be moved upwardly and downwardly vertically from the position shown in solid line in FIGURE 6 to the position shown in phantom line indicated by the letter J or to the angular position shown in phantomline identified by the letter I.

The end portion 28 of the shear blade I shown in FIGURE 6 and further illustrated in FIGURE 8, has a second bore 35 extending therethrough. Two slide blocks 36 are disposed on opposite sides of the end portion 23 adjacent bore 35 as shown in FIGURE 8. .Each

Bores 32 are formed in each end pair of slide blocks 36 have bores 38 formed therein that are alignable with bore 35. A heavy pin 40 extends through the bores 33 and bore 35. The slide blocks 36 are vertically movable in two heavy vertical guide members 42 that have a horizontal cross section of channel.,haped configuration. The guide members 42 are preferably brass lined to minimize frictional resistance as the slide blocks 35 move upwardly and downwardly therein. As best seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, the guide members 42 are afiixed by conventional means to the right-hand portions of the frame F. Due to the blade I being pivotally connected by the pin 40 to the slide blocks 36 that can only move in a vertical direction, the blade I may be angularly disposed as. it is moved upwardly and downwardly by the rams H and I to shear portions from the scrap material with no lateral pressure being exerted on the rams'H and I to throw them out of alignment with the cylinders!) and E.

The blade I (FIGURES 3 and 4) has a downwardly and outwardly extending heavy shield 44 of triangular vertical cross section projecting forwardly therefrom. The shield is defined by a lower horizontal, forwardly extendingwall 46 and an upwardly and rearwardly extending leg 4%. The rear edges of wall 46 and leg' iil are welded or otherwise rigidly affixed to the forward vertical surface 50 of the shear blade I. The position of the shield 44 when blade I is in the upper position is shown in phantom line in FIGURE 4 andis identified by the numeral 44. When scrap material to be cut is deposited on the upper surface of the leg L, the shearing action takes place at the forward upper extremity of the lower jaw K and the lower rear extremity of the shear blade I.

Inasmuch as these portions of the jaw K and blade I are subjected not only to exceedingly high pressure as well as impact forces, it is desirable that a transverse recess 52' of rectangular vertical cross section be formed in the forward upper extremity of the jaw K. A first hardenedshear bar 54 of such vertical cross section as to just fill the recess 52 is provided; and'is removably held thereon by bolts 56' that extend through openings formed therein to engage tapped bores formed in the lower jaW'K. The lower rear extremity of the shear blade J likewise has a formed therein in which a second hardened shear bar 66 is disposed, with this second bar being of such dimensions as to just fill the recess. The bar 66 is removably held in the recess 53 by bolts 62 that extend through openings formed therein to engage tapped bores formed in blade I; Thus, when the hardened bars Edor 6% have become worn from use, bent, or otherwise deformed to the extent that they do not function properly, they may be easily and quickly removedand replaced by new hardened bars with a minimum of physical effort.

The lower jaw K has a downwardly and forwardly extending slide plate 64 disposed in front of it, on which the. sheared portions of the scrap material being cut fall after severance from the main body of the scrap material which is heldin place on the lower jaw K by the transversely extending upper jaw N. The base A may, of course, be fabricated in a number of different configurations, but in practice it has been foundconvenient to hold the lower jaw K in the position shown in FIGURE 4 by use of a number of heavy I-beams 66, 68 and 70 that are connectedthereto by rigid members '72 and 74.

The chute O,. as best. seen in FIGURES 9 and 10, includes a rear extension 76 of, the base A that is preferably rectangular, and may be, of any desired' structure which will support the load that will be imposed thereon. A number of heavy rigid members 78 project upwardly from frame extension'76 and are connected at their'upper ends by a number of heavy horizontal beams 80. Beams fill support a heavy rectangular sheet 32 that has at least the forward edge thereof flush with the upper surface 84 of leg L.

transversely extending recess 58 Two walls 36 extend upwardly from the longitudinal sides of sheet 82 (FIGURES 9 and Walls 86 extend rearwardly from sheet 82 and a cross piece 88 extends therebetween. The fourth hydraulic cylinder P is affixed to, and supported from a cross piece 88 in longitudinal relationship with sheet 82. The upper surface of sheet 82 and the upper surface 84 of leg L serve to support the scrap structure T being severed into smaller portions, as the structure is intermittently moved forwardly over these surfaces by the push bar 12.

The extension '76 also has a number of uprights 90 mounted on the right-hand side thereof as shown in FIG- URE 10. The upper ends of the uprights 90 are rigidly connected to the beams 80. A cross beam 91 connects the right-hand ends of beams 80 as viewed in FIGURE 10. The tiltable portion of table Q is defined by a rigid rectangular frame 92 that supports a sheet 94 of steel or the like on the upper edge thereof. Frame 92 is pivotally connected to the right-hand wall 86 by hinges 14.

A wall 96 extends upwardly from the ends of sheet 94 as well as the right-hand edge thereof as illustrated in FIGURE 10. The left-hand side of frame 92 is pivotally connected by hinges 14 to the right-hand wall 86. A lug 95 extends downwardly from one of the frame members 92. The lug 95 is pivotally connected by a pin 08 to the upper end of the ram S. The fifth hydraulic cylinder R has a second lug 100 on the lower end thereof that is pivotally connected by a pin 102 to a third lug 104 affixed to a convenient portion of the extension 76.

When the ram S is caused to move upwardly, the table Q pivots in a counter-clockwise direction as shown in FIGURE 10, to slide the scrap structure T that has been deposited on sheet 94 onto sheet 82 of chute O. The frame 02 and sheet 94 are supported in the position shown in FIGURE 10 by resting on the upper surfaces of beams 80 and cross beam 91 when the fifth hydraulic cylinder R is not actuated.

The hydraulic system used in the actuation of the leverage shear is shown in FIGURE 11, and the symbols used in this figure are those developed by the Joint Industry Conference on Hydraulics. Two fixed displacement pumps 106 are concurrently driven through shafts 108 by an electric motor 110 or other suitable prime mover. Each of the pumps 106 has a suction line 112 extending to a reservoir 114. A discharge line 1116 extends from each pump 106 to a check valve 118, and each check valve is connected by a discharge line 120 to a header 122. Each line 116 has a connector 124 therein from which a line 126 extends to the inlet of a maximum pressure valve 128. Each valve 128 has a line 130 extending from the discharge thereof to reservoir 114.

A connector 132 in header 122 is provided with a line 134 which extends therefrom to a pressure gauge 136. Header 122 also has three additional longitudinally spaced connectors 138, 140 and 142 therein. A conduit 144 leads from connector 133 to a normally open two-position shut-off valve 146 that is preferably air operated. A conduit 148 extends from the discharge side of valve 146 to reservoir 114. When a first solenoid 150 shown in FIG- URE 12 is electrically energized, the valve 146 moves from the first normally open position to a second position where it obstructs communication between conduits 144 and 148.

When valve 146 is in the second position, the pressure of liquid in header 122 is that for which the maximum pressure valves 128 are set. Should this maximum pressure tend to be exceeded as liquid discharges from the pumps 106, the valves 128 open and by-pass the discharging liquid back to the reservoir 114 through the lines 130.

A conduit 152 extends from connector 140 to a check valve 154, and the discharge side of this valve is connected by a conduit 156 to a two-position, three-connection, directional valve 158 that is preferably air operated. One port of valve 158 is connected to a conduit 160 that extends to the upper portion of third hydraulic cylinder G, and conduit has a connector 162 therein from which a conduit 164 proceeds to the upper portion of first hydraulic cylinder D.

Spring means (not shown) that form a part of valve 158 tend at all times to maintain it in a first position where liquid can flow therethrough from conduit 160 to a conduit 166 to-discharge into reservoir 114. When a second solenoid 168 shown in FIGURE 12 and associated with valve 158 is electrically energized, the valve 158 is moved to a second position whereby liquid under pressure can flow from conduit 156 to conduit 160 and force the first and third rams H and M downwardly in first and third hydraulic cylinders respectively.

A conduit 170 extends from connector 142 to a check valve 172 as may be seen in FIGURE 12. The discharge side of check valve 172 is connected to a conduit 174 that is also connected to a two-position, three-connection, directional valve 176 that is preferably air operated. A conduit 178 extends from one of the connections of valve 176 to the upper portion of the second hydraulic cylinder B. When valve 176 is in a first position, liquid can flow therethrough from conduit 178 to a conduit 180 that extends to reservoir 114. Upon energization of a third solenoid 182 (FIGURE 11), the valve 176 is moved to a second position where liquid under pressure canflow therethrough from conduit 174 to conduit 178 to force the second rain I downwardly in second cylinder B. When the electric circuit to third solenoidis broken, spring means (not shown) returns valve 176 to the first position. A coduit 132 extends from connector 142 to a check valve 184, which valve is connected by a conduit 186 to a two-position, three-connection, directional valve 188 that is preferably air operated.

Two conduits 190 and 192 extend from the lower portions offirst and third hydraulic cylinders respectively, to a connector 194. A conduit 196 extends from connector 194 to a connector 198, which latter connector is joined by a conduit 200 to a connector 202 and by a conduit 204 to a back pressure valve 206. A conduit 208 joins connector 202 to the discharge from valve 206, and by means of a conduit 210 to one of the connections of valve 188. Conduit 196 has a connector 196a therein from which a conduit 196]) extends to the lower interior portion of second cylinder E. When a fourth solenoid 212 shown in FIGURE 12 is energized, the valve 188 is moved to a second position where liquid under pressure can flow therethrough from conduit 210 to conduits 200, 196, 190, 192, and 10611 to raise the rams H, I, and M respectively, in first, second and third hydraulic cylinders D, E, and G. Upon de-energization of the fourth solenoid 212, spring means (not shown) in valve 188 return the valve to the first position.

The purpose of the back pressure Valve 206 is to prevent downward movement of the heavy vertical rams H, I, and M in cylinders D, E, and G from an elevated position due to force of gravity. A check valve 214 in conduit 200 permits fluid to flow to the cylinders D, E, and G, but not backwardly therefrom. The liquid below the rams H and M in first and third cylinders D and G respectively can only flow therefrom by passing through the conduit 204 to valve 206. The valve 206 is set to open only at a pressure higher than the pressure exerted on the liquid in the lower portions of cylinders D, E and G due to the weight which the rams H, I, and M exert on this liquid. When the pressure on the liquid in the lower portions of cylinders D and G exceeds that for which valve 206 is set, liquid will flow through the valve 206 from conduit 204 to a conduit 213 that leads to reservoir 114. This increase in pressure is effected by moving valve 158 to the second position to permit liquid under pressure to discharge through conduits 160 and 164 to the upper portions of cylinders D and G. When the valve 176 is placed in the second position, fluid discharges through conduit .178 to the upper part of cylinder E, and concurrent discharge of liquid takes place from the lower por- V URE 11.

URES 11 and 12.

The electrical circuit used in conjunction with the hydraulic system above described is shown in FIGURE 12. This circuit includes a first control relay 226 that has blades 228, 23s, 232, 234 and 236, which are in the'open position when relay 226 is not energized. However, when.

control relay 226 is energized, blades 22%, 23% 232, 234 and 236 are moved to engage contacts 222a, 239a, 232a, 234a and 236a respectively.

A second control relay 238 is also provided which has two blades 241 and 242 that are in the open position and two blades 244 and 246 that are in the closed position when the relay is not energized. Blades 241i, 242, 24 i and 246 are adapted to be moved into and out of engage ment with contacts 2411a,v 242a, 244a and 246a.

A first electrical conductor 248 is provided that extends to one terminal of a domestic electric outlet (not shown). Conductor 248 has junction points 242a, 248b, 248e, 248d and 248e therein from which conductors 2511, 252, 25 i,

256 and 258 extend to relay 226, relay 238 and solenoids 150, 168 and 182 respectively. Conductor 248 terminates at one terminal of solenoid 212, as may be seenin FIG- Conductors 260, 262, 264, 266, 268 and 271) extend from the second terminals of relays 226, 238 and solenoids 150, 168, 182 and 212. I

Conductor 269 extends to a junction point 272. A conductor 274 connects contact 223a to a first terminalof the third limit switch 221). The second terminal of limit switch 220 is joined by a conductor 276 to junction point 272. A push button switch 278 is provided that is labeled Down and includes two contacts 280 and 282 which may be electrically connected when a metallic blade 2% is placed in engagement therewith. Contact 282 is connected by a conductor 2% to junction point 272.

One terminal of second limit switch 224 is connected by a conductor 294} to blade 230 of first relay 225. Conductor 290 has a junction point 229a therein from which conductor 292 extends to terminate in a first contact 294 0 seen in FIGURE 11, terminates in a connection to blade 242 of second control relay 238.

A normally closed switch 329, preferably of the push button type, is inserted in the conductor 292 just before it reaches the junction point 3112a. Switch 321 includes contacts 322 and 324 that are normally electrically connected by a metallic bar 326. Switch 3211 is located at a convenient location on the invention and is labeled Stop. When it is desired to stop the hydraulic leverage shear of the present invention during operation thereof, the push button switch 32% may be used for this purpose whereby the bar 326 is moved out of engagement with the contacts 322-324, which breaks the circuit to the first control relay 226 with all solenoids then being de-energized and the apparatus comes to rest.

Operation of the invention is relatively simple. After the scrap structure T has been moved to a desired position on chute O and upper surface of the leg L by use of the ram 10 in fourth hydraulic cylinder P, the down switch 278 is pressed inwardly to establish an electrical connection between the two contacts 282 and 282 (F1G- URE 11). Electrical current is then supplied from conductors 248 and 392 to energize the first control relay 226. The blades 223, 230, 232, 23 1 and 23 6 of first control relay assume closed positions as relay 225 is energized to complete'an electrical circuit to the first and second solenoids 151) and 168 respectively. Energization of the first and second solenoids 1513 and 16% cause valve 14-6 to assume a closed position and valve 158 to of a push button switch 2%. Switch 2% includes a contact 228 that may be electrically connected to contact 294 when an electrical conducting bar 399 is brought into engagement with these two contacts. The push button switch 296 is located at a convenient location on the invention and is labeled Up.

A second electrical conductor 3112 extends to the second terminal of the domestic electric outlet (not shown), to which the conductor 248 is also connected. Junction points 3112a, 3112b, 302a, 302a, 302e, 3021, 322g, 3ti2h are formed in conductor 302. Junction point 3112a is connected by a conductor 304 to blade 223 of the first control relay 226. Junction point 3112b is joined by a conductor 3% to contact 280 of switch 278. Junction pointSliZc is connected by a conductor 3% to one terminal of the limit switch 224.

Junction point 302d is connected by a conductor 31% to blade 24% of the second control relay 238. Junction point 3492c is joined ,by' a conductor 312 to the contact 293 of the second push button switch 2%. The junction point 302 has an electrical conductor 314 extending therefrom that is connected to the blade 232 of the first control relay 22d. Iunctionpoint 302g also has a conductor 316 extending therefrom that is connected to blade 234 of first control relay 226. Junction point 32211 has a conductor 318 extending therefrom that is joined to one terminal of the first limit switch 218. The conductor 392, as may be move into the second position and permit fluid to flow from the header 122 through conduit 1S2, check valve 154, conduit 156, to the conduit 160 where fluid is discharged into the upper portions of the first and third hydraulic cylinders D and G respectively.

As fluid discharges through the conduit 16% the ram M moves downwardly to bring the upper jaw N into pressure contact with the scrap structure T to hold it firmly in position on the upper surface 8 1 of the leg L. The ram H then descends in the first hydraulic cylinder D and brings the shearing blade I into initial contact with scrap T to be sheared to exert a first stage force thereon. Downward movement of ram H results in contact of the limit switch 218 by the protuberance 216 as shown in FIGURE 12, with the switch 218 being placed in the closed position to complete a circuit to the third solenoid 182. Energization of solenoid 182 results in movement of valve 176 into the second position to permit fluid under pressure to discharge through the conduit 17%, check valve 122, conduit 174;, and conduit 178 to the upperportion of the second hydraulic cylinder E.

Thereafter the second ram I starts to descend and move the blade downwardly with a pivotal action until such time as the protuberance 222 on the lower end of the ram contacts the second limit switch 22 as may be seen in FIGURE 11, to place this limit switch in a closed position and complete a circuit to the second control relay 238. As relay 238 is energized, blades 244 and 246 thereof move to the open position to break the circuit to the second and third solenoids 168 and 182 respectively whereby the second valves 158 and 188 shown in FIG- URE 12 return to the first position. Energization of relay 233 causes the blade 24 2 thereof to assume a closed position (FIGURE 12) and complete a circuit to energize the fourth solenoid 212. Energization of the fourth solenoid 212 moves valve 188 (FIGURE 11) to the second position where fluid under pressure discharges therethroughto the conduit 21%, connector 2112, check valve 214, conduit 2%, connector 128, conduit 1%, connector 19 1 and conduits 1% and 192 to the lower portions of the first and third hydraulic cylinders D and G respectively.

Conduit 196 also has a connector 196a therein from which a conduit 186!) extends to the lower portion of the second hydraulic cylinder E. Discharge of fluid to the lower portions of the first, second and third hydraulic cylinders D, E and G respectively, results in upward movement of the rams H, I and M. Upward movement of these rams continues until the protuberance 216 on ram H contacts the third limit switch 220, whereupon the second control relay 238 is de-energized and the apparatus comes to rest. The scrap structure T may then be advanced forwardly on the chute O and upper surface of leg L and the process above described repeated.

During operation thereof the leverage shear can be stopped at any time by moving the stop switch 220 to a position where the metallic member 326 is out of electrical engagement with contacts 322 and 324. However, before the apparatus is used for its intended purpose, the switch 320 must be placed in the closed position. When the down push button switch 284 is pressed, the sequence of operations above described is initiated. When the up push button switch 296 is actuated to electrically connect the contacts 298 and 294, the second control relay 238 is electrically energized and the solenoids 168 and 182 are de-energized while the fourth solenoid 212 is energized, whereby the first, second and third rams H, I and M move upwardly to a retracted position until the protuberance 216 engages the third limit switch 220. The apparatus then comes to rest.

The fourth hydraulic cylinder P, best seen in FIGURE 9, has two hoses 350 and 352 connected to the interior end portions thereof. Fluid under pressure is alternately discharged through the hoses 350 and 352 from a conventionally valved source (not shown) to move the ram and push bar 12 longitudinally relative to the chute O as required for the purpose previously described.

The fifth hydraulic cylinder R is also provided with hoses 354 and 356 connected to the interior end portions thereof. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the hoses 354 and 356 from a conventionally valved source (not shown) to move the ram S upwardly and downwardly with concurrent pivotal movement onto the table Q.

Although the present invention is fully capable of achieving the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore mentioned it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiment thereof and I do not mean to be limited to the details of construction herein shown and described, other than as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A hydraulic leverage shear for severing heavy scrap material into portions of a desired size, comprising:

(a) an elongate lower jaw having a vertical forward face and an upper substantially horizontal surface, on which surface at least a part of said scrap material can rest;

(b) a vertically disposed shear blade, the rear surface of which is parallel to said forward face of said lower jaw and slightly forward thereof;

(0) first and second horizontally disposed blocks adjacent first and second end portions of said blade;

((1) first means for pivotally connecting said first and second end portions of said blade to said first and second blocks respectively;

(2) first and second horizontal plates disposed above said first and second blocks respectively;

(1) second means for slidably supporting said first and second blocks from said first and second plates for transverse movement relative thereto;

(g) first and second vertically disposed rams that support said first and second plates respectively on the lower ends thereof;

(h) first and second hydraulic cylinders vertically disposed at fixed elevations above said lower jaw, with said first and second rams being slidably mounted in said first and second cylinders respectively;

(i) third means for so removably holding said scrap material on said lower jaw that a portion of said scrap material of said desired size overhangs said forward vertical face;

(1') a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure;

(k) conduit means extending from said source to the upper and lower end portions of said first and second cylinders;

(l) valve means in said conduit means for selectively controlling the flow of said fluid from said source to said first and second cylinders to cause said rams to move said blade downwardly with a desired motion to sever said portion from said scrap material and then move said rams upwardly to dispose said blade above said scrap material to permit the same to be again so moved forwardly that a portion thereof of said desired size overhangs said forward face; and

(m) a pin disposed in a direction normal to said blade and extending through a bore formed in an end portion thereof;

(It) two slide blocks positioned on opposite sides of said blade, which blocks have bores formed therein that are engaged by said pin; and

(0) two vertically disposed rigid guide members located on opposite sides of said blade and occupying fixed positions relative to said first and second cylinders, which guide members are of channel-shaped horizontal cross section, with said slide blocks being slidably movable in said guide members, which pin, blocks, and guide members cooperatively prevent transverse movement of said blade towards said first or second rams as said blade moves downwardly to sever said overhanging portion from said scrap material.

2. A hydraulic leverage shear for severing heavy scrap material into portions of a desired size, comprising:

(a) a base;

(19) an elongate lower jaw afiixed to said base, which jaw has a vertical forward face and a horizontal upper surface;

(c) first and second vertically disposed hydraulic cylinders located at fixed elevated positions above opposite end portions of said base; I

(d) first and second rams slidably mounted in said first and second cylinders respectively;

(e) a third vertically disposed hydraulic cylinder located at a fixed elevation between said first and second cylinders and above a rear portion of said lower jaw;

(f) a third ram slidably movable in said third cylinder;

(g) an upper horizontal transverse jaw mounted on the lower end of said third ram;

(h) first and second horizontal plates afiixed to the lower ends of said first and second rams;

(i) first and second blocks horizontally disposed adjacent the under sides of said first and second plates respectively;

(i) first means for slidably supporting said first and second blocks from said first and second plates respectively;

(k) a vertically disposed shear blade, the rear surface of which is parallel to said forward face of said lower jaw and slightly forward thereof;

(1) second means for pivotally connecting first and second end portions of said blade to said first and second blocks respectively;

(m) a source of hydraulic liquid under pressure;

(n) conduit means extending from said source to the upper and lower ends of said first, second and third cylinders;

(0) a plurality of valves included in said conduit means for selectively permitting fiow of said liquid from said source to said third cylinder to lower said third ram and upper jaw into position to hold said scrap material on said lower jaw, as well as to said first and second cylinders to move said first and second rams downwardly with a desired relative motion to impart 1 1 a pivotal severing action to said blade, and to said first, second and third rams togetherwithsaidrblade and upper jaw after a portion of said scrap material has been severed therefrom;

(p) a chute extendingrearwardly from said lower jaw on which said scrap material may be deposited prior to severance thereof;

(0 third means for so intermittently moving said scrap material forwardly on said chute and across saidlower jaw that portions of said scrap material of: said desired sizeoverhangs said forward face of'saidllower jaw; and

(r) fourth means for preventing lateral movement of said blade relative to said first and second rams as said plurality of valves are moved to positions to permit fluid from said source to flow to the upper and 12 lower portions of said first and second cylinders to lower said blade .With a desired movement and sever said portions of said scrap material overhanging said forward face of said lower jaw.

References Cited inthe'file of this patent: UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,487,219 Dreis Mar. 18, 1924 1,925,915 Allswortli Sept. 5, 1933 1,992,539 Munschaner Feb. 26, 1935 2,599,591 Spiller June 10, 1952 3,039,343 Richards. June 19, 1962' 3,049,988 Lindermann Aug. 21, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 831,354 Great Britain Mar. 30, 1960 

1. A HYDRAULIC LEVERAGE SHEAR FOR SEVERING HEAVY SCRAP MATERIAL INTO PORTIONS OF A DESIRED SIZE, COMPRISING: (A) AN ELONGATE LOWER JAW HAVING A VERTICAL FORWARD FACE AND AN UPPER SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL SURFACE, ON WHICH SURFACE AT LEAST A PART OF SAID SCRAP MATERIAL CAN REST; (B) A VERTICALLY DISPOSED SHEAR BLADE, THE REAR SURFACE OF WHICH IS PARALLEL TO SAID FORWARD FACE OF SAID LOWER JAW AND SLIGHTLY FORWARD THEREOF; (C) FIRST AND SECOND HORIZONTALLY DISPOSED BLOCKS ADJACENT FIRST AND SECOND END PORTIONS OF SAID BLADE; (D) FIRST MEANS FOR PIVOTALLY CONNECTING SAID FIRST AND SECOND END PORTIONS OF SAID BLADE TO SAID FIRST AND SECOND BLOCKS RESPECTIVELY; (E) FIRST AND SECOND HORIZONTAL PLATES DISPOSED ABOVE SAID FIRST AND SECOND BLOCKS RESPECTIVELY; (F) SECOND MEANS FOR SLIDABLY SUPPORTING SAID FIRST AND SECOND BLOCKS FROM SAID FIRST AND SECOND PLATES FOR TRANSVERSE MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO; (G) FIRST AND SECOND VERTICALLY DISPOSED RAMS THAT SUPPORT SAID FIRST AND SECOND PLATES RESPECTIVELY ON THE LOWER ENDS THEREOF; (H) FIRST AND SECOND HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS VERTICALLY DISPOSED AT FIXED ELEVATIONS ABOVE SAID LOWER JAW, WITH SAID FIRST AND SECOND RAMS BEING SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SAID FIRST AND SECOND CYLINDERS RESPECTIVELY; (I) THIRD MEANS FOR SO REMOVABLY HOLDING SAID SCRAP MATERIAL ON SAID LOWER JAW THAT A PORTION OF SAID SCRAP MATERIAL OF SAID DESIRED SIZE OVERHANGS SAID FORWARD VERTICAL FACE; (J) A SOURCE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID UNDER PRESSURE; (K) CONDUIT MEANS EXTENDING FROM SAID SOURCE TO THE UPPER AND LOWER END PORTIONS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND CYLINDERS; (L) VALVE MEANS IN SAID CONDUIT MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF SAID FLUID FROM SAID SOURCE TO SAID FIRST AND SECOND CYLINDERS TO CAUSE SAID RAMS TO MOVE SAID BLADE DOWNWARDLY WITH A DESIRED MOTION TO SEVER SAID PORTION FROM SAID SCRAP MATERIAL AND THEN MOVE SAID RAMS UPWARDLY TO DISPOSE SAID BLADE ABOVE SAID SCRAP MATERIAL TO PERMIT THE SAME TO BE AGAIN SO MOVED FORWARDLY THAT A PORTION THEREOF OF SAID DESIRED SIZE OVERHANGS SAID FORWARD FACE; AND (M) A PIN DISPOSED IN A DIRECTION NORMAL TO SAID BLADE AND EXTENDING THROUGH A BORE FORMED IN AN END PORTION THEREOF; (N) TWO SLIDE BLOCKS POSITIONED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID BLADE, WHICH BLOCKS HAVE BORES FORMED THEREIN THAT ARE ENGAGED BY SAID PIN; AND (O) TWO VERTICALLY DISPOSED RIGID GUIDE MEMBERS LOCATED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID BLADE AND OCCUPYING FIXED POSITIONS RELATIVE TO SAID FIRST AND SECOND CYLINDERS, WHICH GUIDE MEMBERS ARE OF CHANNEL-SHAPED HORIZONTAL CROSS SECTION, WITH SAID SLIDE BLOCKS BEING SLIDABLY MOVABLE IN SAID GUIDE MEMBERS, WHICH PIN, BLOCKS, AND GUIDE MEMBERS COOPERATIVELY PREVENT TRANSVERSE MOVEMENT OF SAID BLADE TOWARDS SAID FIRST OR SECOND RAMS AS SAID BLADE MOVES DOWNWARDLY TO SEVER SAID OVERHANGING PORTION FROM SAID SCRAP MATERIAL. 